Its pretty remarkable to consider that the NFL is the most dominant sports league in America, yet they haven't had a team in the nation's second largest media market since the Raiders moved to Oakland in 1995. Most professional sports leagues would crumble after losing a market this size. But the NFL has continued to thrive despite the loss.

Well the NFL took a step closer to returning to Los Angeles today. It may still be several years before the league returns to the city of angels, but this is step one in the process.

Edward P. Roski, Jr., the developer behind the creation of Staples Center and a part owner of the Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers, today announced plans to build a state-of-the-art NFL stadium for Los Angeles.  The “Los Angeles Stadium” will be located within the region’s major population centers.  It is expected to cost significantly less than current NFL stadiums under construction, will complete its regulatory review this summer, and will be in a position to begin construction by the end of this year to be completed for the 2011 NFL season.
 
“Los Angeles Stadium is the project that will bring the NFL – and the Super Bowl – back to Southern California,” said Roski, chairman and chief executive officer of Majestic Realty Co., one of the largest commercial real estate firms in Southern California.  “It is time to put the stadium debate behind us. We have a great stadium site that can serve the entire region, and we have the ability to get this done. This project is exciting, viable and in process.”
 
The Los Angeles Stadium site is conveniently located east of downtown in the center of the greater Southern California market, at the junction of the 60 and 57 freeways.  Nearly 12 million people live within a 25-mile radius of the site, providing easy access to residents of Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.  The site allows easy access to many of the region’s major freeways, including the 605, 57, 10, 60, 71 and 210 freeways.  It is also located in close proximity to a Metrolink station.
 
Given the unique topography of the location, the stadium will be built into a hillside, thus dramatically reducing construction time, materials and cost.  The stadium will be constructed with private funds.  It will be situated on a 600-acre parcel of land that is secured by Majestic Realty Co. through a long-term lease with the City of Industry.
 
“I have been passionate about Southern California sports for a long time,” continued Roski.  “Los Angeles Stadium will reflect that passion, giving fans, families and tourists an entirely new sports and entertainment experience.”
 
“For nearly 12 years, we have worked to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles.  During that time, we have come to realize what is important to the National Football League in a stadium for the entertainment capital of the world.  They want the stadium to be state-of-the-art, with the finest fan amenities: luxury amenities, parking, seating, extensive sponsorship opportunities and connected to a larger entertainment destination that will benefit both the NFL and the community.  It has always been the NFL’s desire to do it right, and with Los Angeles Stadium, they finally have a stadium in the right location with everything it takes to be successful for the team, the league and the community.”
 
Los Angeles Stadium will utilize “green” building strategies, making it one of the most sustainable stadiums for the NFL.  An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the development of a five million square foot office, retail and entertainment project at the site was previously certified in 2004, and a supplemental EIR specific to the stadium project is currently in process.  Also planned on the site will be an NFL training facility, a sports medical center and clinic, entertainment, retail, restaurants and offices.

Now the question remains - will the NFL create an expansion team for Los Angeles (unlikely), or will an existing team see the potential for big dollars in the nation's #2 media market and relocate (much more likely)? I've always thought that New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson would love to relocate the Saints to LA (think former USC tailback Reggie Bush might draw some fans?). Buffalo's ownership has examined Toronto as a possibility but maybe they'd like LA even more after today's announcement?

This should be interesting to watch.
 
For more information on Los Angeles Stadium click here.